London students demand: #CopsOffCampus

Student protests at the University of London have intensified after police forcefully evicted demonstrators from occupying a campus building on Wednesday. Many criticised what they called a heavy handed response, using the hashtag #CopsOffCampus to demand an end to police presence.

The University says demonstrators sealed off fire escapes and climbed on balconies, refusing to leave the building. Officials released a statement condemning what they said was an "aggressive" protest, which protesters and activists dispute.

University protests have swept across the UK over worker benefits and student fees, as well as a rejection of education privatisation more broadly. At the University of Sussex, five students that officials say were leading "unlawful occupations" were banned from campus.

Just spoke to @UoLondon who confirmed there was no violence or criminal damage before they called the police. There was "swearing" though.Owen Jones

I hope students across the country are made more determined by the behaviour of police officers at #copsoffcampus demo.Owen Jones

The University of London described students' occupation of the Senate House and their subsequent evacuation by police on Wednesday as "disgraceful and aggressive":

They sealed fire escapes, climbed on the external balconies and refused to leave until a series of demands were met. Staff on the first floor locked themselves in their offices for their own safety. The students appeared aggressive and intimidating, built barricades from furniture and occupied a number of office rooms. At 4pm, the University issued a statement in which it made clear that its priority was the safety of staff, students and visitors. The remainder of the building, including the Libraries of Senate House, was evacuated as a precautionary measure shortly after 5pm.london.ac.uk

Others disputed that account:

@UoLondon Your statement makes no mention of violence, only a vague suggestion that they 'appeared aggressive and intimidating' #occupyshHow's them oignons

Just spoke to @UoLondon who confirmed there was no violence or criminal damage before they called the police. There was "swearing" though.Owen Jones

.@UoLondon also confirmed that there was no threats of violence to their staff from #occupysh protesters either.Owen Jones

Many online called for action from the Mayor of London and criticised the media for what they said was a lack of coverage.